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Confidential Bulletin — Government
Confidential Bulletin

Welcome to Confidential Bulletin, the essential podcast for members of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and all professionals within California’s vibrant restaurant and hospitality industry. Brought to you by the CRA, this monthly podcast series is your go-to resource for expert insights, advice, and discussions on our industry’s most pressing issues today.

Confidential Bulletin offers limitless conversations with various guest hosts and speakers, from the complexities of compliance and the latest in politics affecting our businesses to innovative trends and operational challenges. Our revolving experts bring valuable perspectives on the unique landscape we navigate in California’s restaurant and hospitality sector.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on navigating regulations, curious about the future of dining in California, or interested in hearing from thought leaders shaping the industry, Confidential Bulletin has something for you. Each episode is crafted to matter deeply to you, addressing topics you care about and answering the questions you haven’t even thought to ask.

Why Listen?

Diverse Expertise: Engage with various experts, from seasoned restaurateurs to industry innovators, legal advisors, and beyond.

Relevant Topics: Stay ahead with discussions on compliance, politics, sustainability, technology, customer experience, and more.

Community Focus: Join a community dedicated to supporting and advancing California’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

#CaliforniaRestaurants #HospitalityIndustry #CRA #RestaurantTrends #Compliance #Politics #Innovation #Podcast

Join the Conversation:

Don’t miss an episode of Confidential Bulletin. Subscribe and be part of the conversation shaping the future of California’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

Visit our website: California Restaurant Association

Tune in every month for engaging, insightful, and unexpected conversations. You never know who might be on or what topic we’ll dive into next – but it will matter to you.

Copyright: © 2024

Latest Episodes:

What Restaurants Need to Know About California’s Plastic Bag Ban Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

California’s SB 1053 plastic bag ban is causing confusion in the restaurant industry but does it apply to restaurants?

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez talks with Alden Parker of Fisher Phillips to break down:

• Which businesses are covered under SB 1053

• Why most traditional restaurants may be exempt

• The “gray areas” operators need to watch for

• How hybrid concepts, grocery locations, and gas station restaurants could be impacted

• Why local city ordinances may still apply even if the state law doesn’t

If you operate in California, this is an important compliance conversation to watch.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CRA Sues CA; Defends Member Speech + Recycling Efforts Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney shares an update on the SB 343 lawsuit and the recent court hearing on our request for a preliminary injunction. SB 343 would limit when packaging and products can be labeled as "recyclable" in California, even if they are in fact recyclable. The lawsuit challenges the law, arguing that it restricts businesses from providing truthful information to consumers. Learn more about the legal challenge and how SB 343 undermines recycling efforts and limits free speech, and what operators should be watching as the case moves forward.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preventing Costly Claims: Key Harassment & Discrimination Compliance Tips for Restaurants Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez of the California Restaurant Association is joined by legal experts Bruno Katz and John Guarino from Wilson Elser to break down one of the most critical risk areas facing restaurants today: harassment and discrimination claims in the workplace.

They share practical guidance on how claims develop, why documentation is essential, how to respond to complaints, and what employers often get wrong when managing sensitive workplace issues. The conversation covers California’s protected categories, retaliation risks, training requirements, and how to build stronger policies to prevent costly legal exposure.

Whether you’re an operator, manager, or HR lead, this episode offers steps to protect your team, culture, and business.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Burnout, Accommodations & Workplace Risk: What Restaurants Need to Know May 25, 2026

Show notes

Mental health challenges and workplace burnout are becoming more common across the restaurant industry, especially in high-stress front and back-of-house environments. In this episode of Ask CRA on the Confidential Bulletin, Jackie Gutierrez is joined by Bruno Katz and John Guarino of Wilson Elser to discuss practical strategies and legal considerations for supporting employee mental health in the workplace.

The conversation covers:

• Recognizing signs of burnout and stress

• Understanding workplace accommodations and the interactive process

• What managers should and should not ask employees

• Documentation and compliance best practices

• Workplace violence prevention requirements in California

• Creating a supportive workplace culture that protects both employees and employers

Tune in for actionable guidance to help restaurant operators build healthier workplaces and reduce compliance risks.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SB 54 Deadline Approaching: Could Your Restaurant Be Considered a “Producer”? May 25, 2026

Show notes

Courtney is back with the CRA News You Need to Know. Today’s update covers the June 1 SB 54 deadline and what restaurants must know about California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

The big question: Could your restaurant be considered a “producer” under the law?

While many restaurants that use standard supplier-provided food service ware may not be subject to the June 1 registration deadline, restaurants that sell branded packaged products, private-label items, or import covered materials likely have compliance obligations that are now just days away.

In this quick update, you’ll learn:

When a restaurant may qualify as a producer
What factors determine compliance obligations
Where to find the latest CalRecycle guidance and CRA compliance resources

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CA Finalizes Extended Producer Responsibility Rules: Is Your Restaurant Considered a “Producer”? May 12, 2026

Show notes

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are now in effect and directly impact virtually every industry, including restaurants. Courtney summarizes the objectives of the regulation, how to determine if your business qualifies as a “producer,” the next key compliance deadline, and the CRA’s ongoing efforts to address costly and conflicting regulations affecting neighborhood restaurants statewide.

RESOURCE:

Producer Guidance from CalRecycle: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/?_hsmi=28411720

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tackling Restaurant Pain Points Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down three bills aimed at reducing delays and easing operations for restaurants:

AB 2418: Sets firm timelines for permit reviews and inspections
AB 1915: Allows self-certification for routine equipment replacements
AB 1740: Sets new precedent for regulatory flexibility in “Coastal Zones”

These reforms are part of the CRA’s continued advocacy to streamline processes, reduce costs, and support restaurant operators statewide. Stay informed and stay ahead.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this clip are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big Moves on Alcohol To-Go, Menu Labeling, Receipt Paper & Reservation Piracy Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

The Legislature is active, and restaurants are a primary focus. In this edition of News You Need to Know, Courtney reviews key legislative updates affecting operators, including alcohol-to-go, new menu labeling requirements, misplaced liability for neighborhood restaurants, and efforts to combat against reservation piracy. Watch to learn what is advancing, what is at risk, and how these changes may impact your restaurant.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this clip are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most Diners Decide Where to Eat Before Walking Through Your Front Door: How Digital Presence & Reputation Drive Restaurant Growth Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

In part two of this discussion, we explore the critical role of online reviews, digital presence, and operational strategies in driving restaurant revenue and reputation. Experts Lisa Landsman from Google and Joel Seidenberg from Locl share practical tips on managing reviews, engaging with customers, and optimizing digital profiles to stay competitive.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Digital Presence

03:54 Understanding the Weight of Reviews

06:36 Effective Review Management Strategies

09:55 Responding to Reviews: Best Practices

12:36 Leveraging Feedback for Improvement

15:51 Practical Steps for Restaurant Owners

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cracking Down on Reservation Piracy: AB 1245 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney explains Assembly Bill 1245 and what it means for California restaurants. This proposed law aims to stop third-party platforms from selling unauthorized reservations, which is a growing problem that can cause lost revenue, no-shows, and unhappy diners. Find out how this bill might affect your business and how the California Restaurant Association is working to protect restaurant owners across the state.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this clip are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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